According to The Athletic, Watford intend to open talks with Ismaila Sarr over a new contract.
The Senegalese winger was seemingly on the verge of joining Aston Villa last week as the Midlands club agreed a deal with Watford over a transfer, but after failing to agree personal terms, Sarr may now be set to stay at Vicarage Road.
Of course, Sarr is way too good to be playing Championship football, as his goal from the halfway line earlier this season showed, but with the Hornets flying high, Sarr may hedge his bets and hope that he’ll be back in the top-flight sooner rather than later if he stays with the Hertfordshire outfit.
A new contract would certainly have its financial benefits for Sarr, but, in a World Cup year, the ‘frightening’ attacker may well be keen to play at a higher level.
While Aston Villa’s move for Sarr failed, Leeds United and Newcastle have also been credited with an interest, so it may not be too difficult for the winger to find himself a new club if he pushes for a move away from Watford.
Watford look set to lose Joao Pedro this summer in a £30m deal that will see the Brazilian join Newcastle United, and after securing that sort of windfall they may not be under too much pressure to sell Sarr from a financial perspective.
However, the last thing Watford need is an unsettled dressing room as they push for promotion back to the Premier League, and if Sarr has his mind set on a transfer, he would be justified in kicking up a fuss as the transfer deadline looms.
Sarr is certainly a player to keep an eye on in the final week of the transfer window as a new contract and a transfer are both distinct possibilities at this point.
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